Culture and External Affairs
Diplomats (Meetings)
Scottish ministers meet diplomats regularly to discuss matters of mutual interest. Ministers have recently held meetings in Scotland with a range of diplomats, including the ambassadors of Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria and Switzerland, in which a range of topics were discussed to strengthen the links between Scotland and those countries. The First Minister met European Union ambassadors last week in London. The Minister for External Affairs and International Development met the consul general for Iraq on 19 February, when they discussed the links between Scotland and Iraq. This afternoon, the First Minister and I will meet Oscar Kerketta, the new Indian consul general, to welcome him to Scotland and to discuss links between Scotland and India.
When the cabinet secretary next meets diplomats from Namibia and Togo, will she apologise for the sneering way that their nations were dismissed by Johann Lamont recently at First Minister’s question time? Will she also apologise to Denmark for the coalition Government’s sneering dismissal of that country in the papers recently and to diplomats in Ireland and Iceland for the “arc of insolvency” slur that has been propagated by Labour politicians? Will she join me in calling for the anti-independence parties to stop insulting other nations in order to undermine Scotland’s ability to govern itself as those proudly independent nations do?
I very much appreciate the point that Mark McDonald makes. We all have a responsibility to support and build relations for the future and in the present. Commercial and other interests are important. I assure members that any comments that are made in this chamber or elsewhere are heard in other countries. We all have to be responsible, as we will all be judged by how our country is seen internationally.
Television (URTV stations)
The Scottish Government has met the URTV broadband network of community-owned, hyper-local television channels. Nesta is currently running a programme of funding 10 pilots across the United Kingdom, three of which are in Scotland. Creative Scotland has partnered with Nesta in Scotland and provided 50 per cent of the stage 1 project costs of the three participants.
I thank the cabinet secretary for her very welcome answer. Television is about more than entertainment, and the installation of super-fast broadband affords the opportunity to develop an interconnecting network of local TV stations. That would allow the fast sharing of best practice across Scotland and contribute to efficiency savings and major customer benefits in the provision of services such as preventative healthcare, police and fire services and many other public sector offerings.
The member is quite right. Indeed, the first director general of the BBC talked about the importance of public service broadcasting’s mission not just to entertain but to inform and educate.
Shambellie House
I want to see a sustainable future for Shambellie house, which provides benefits for the local community. The Scottish Government has, therefore, provided £20,000 to fund a feasibility study into the future use of the house, to be facilitated by National Museums Scotland. I expect the study to report over the next few months, once the relevant parties have all participated. I also strongly encourage National Museums Scotland and the local authority to work together on developing improved access to the national collections in the wider Dumfries and Galloway area.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that the time for any kind of study was before Shambellie house was threatened with closure, not after the doors had been bolted for the last time? That way, a means better to promote the museum might have been identified.
On the latter point, I make it clear that I expect not only roaming but regular exhibitions to be provided throughout the region.
During earlier discussions and debate on the issue, the cabinet secretary was at pains to point out that she could not direct NMS towards any particular course of action, although she wanted to ensure that Dumfries and Galloway was given what she referred to as a better offering from NMS than the simple closure of the national museum of costume. How will she measure the eventual offering that NMS proposes? What steps will and can she take to make certain that a better offering is delivered?
I have made it quite clear to National Museums Scotland that I expect a better offer for Dumfries and Galloway. Other examples in places such as Kilmarnock and the northern isles show that there have been much-improved opportunities for sharing and, as we have just discussed, more regular and roaming exhibitions.
China
The Scottish Government’s “Working with China” publication itself sets out how implementation and delivery will be taken forward. It will be for stakeholders throughout Scotland to work in partnership to achieve the objectives of the China strategy. The Scottish Government’s role is to support that engagement where it can and to encourage greater co-operation between partners.
I put on record my thanks to the cabinet secretary for showing interest in the area and our collective thanks to Judith McClure and the Scotland China education network.
Liz Smith makes an important point. I also echo her thanks to Judith McClure and the SCEN for their work.
Question 6, in the name of Tavish Scott, has not been lodged. The member has provided an explanation—[Interruption.] I am sorry, I am ahead of myself again. I call Colin Keir to ask question 5.
China
Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s China strategy, “Working with China”, the Chinese consul general wrote to the First Minister in December 2012 to highlight the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing had positively received the strategy. I met a delegation from the Beijing municipality that month to discuss possible collaboration across culture and tourism interests, as well as trade and industry.
What is the Scottish Government doing to take advantage of the improving cross-strait relationship between mainland China and Taiwan to increase trade and culture links with Taiwan?
Scottish exports to Taiwan are extensive. We have strong links with Taiwan on trade, tourism and higher education. We estimate that exports to Taiwan in the five years to 2011 were worth about £955 million. Taiwan was the fifth-ranked nation by value for exports of Scotch whisky.
I have already explained about question 6.
Robert the Bruce (Sculpture and Visitor Centre at Turnberry)
We recognise the strong associations that Carrick has with Robert the Bruce and we support the community in planning to celebrate them. I wrote to Councillor Alec Oattes of South Ayrshire Council in August and December last year to direct him to key contacts and relevant funding sources. I hope that Carrick community councils forum can take this interesting and appropriate project forward.
I thank the cabinet secretary for her positive response. I understand that much of the funding for Robert the Bruce-related events for the 2014 Bannockburn anniversary has focused on the Stirling area, for obvious reasons. Will she give an undertaking that the Scottish Government and its agencies, such as Creative Scotland and EventScotland, will engage with the significant efforts that communities in Carrick are making to raise awareness of and celebrate the area’s links to Robert the Bruce, such as through the creation of a grand pageant of his life at Culzean castle?
I have heard of proposals for the grand pageant, which is innovative as a celebration and as a way of promoting future tourism opportunities. I encourage the partners, including South Ayrshire Council and the local member, to engage with agencies to access appropriate funding. If Adam Ingram would like to meet agencies such as Creative Scotland and EventScotland to take forward plans, I will facilitate that.
International Development Priorities (Independent Scotland)
I call the cabinet secretary.
I have been promoted. Fantastic!
Last month, the minister said that a separate Scottish aid programme might go beyond the internationally agreed aid target of 0.7 per cent—perhaps even to 1 per cent, or more. On the basis of our current financial position, what would a 1 per cent commitment amount to in cash terms? Does he consider that, after the costs of setting up a separate Administration, that would be a greater cash amount than Scotland’s current share of UK aid? If so, what other spending would be cut to fund that?
First, Drew Smith will know that there is no estimate of Scottish gross national income, which is what the 0.7 per cent target refers to. I find the lack of ambition from the Opposition parties quite unbelievable. That is my reaction to the member’s comments. [Interruption.]
Order.
The countries against which we should be benchmarking ourselves are those that are aspiring to meet, and are already meeting, 1 per cent targets, including Norway and Luxembourg. If they can do it, why on earth cannot we? I urge the member to have a little bit more ambition. The full detail of our ambition, of course, will be in our white paper later in the year.
Does the minister agree that Scotland already benefits from the expertise that the United Kingdom has built up over many decades in delivering aid to developing countries?
Of course the Department for International Development in the UK Government achieves much success, and of course we would look to continue that relationship where we could, as we maintain relationships with other countries and nations in our development programmes. What I am talking about, and what I have talked about previously, is having in some respects a different set of values. There are some things that the UK Government does in international development that we would not do—aid’s being tied to security, being an example. Aid’s being tied to arms that we are selling to General Suharto or to the Argentinian junta and so on is the kind of value that we would move away from.
Glasgow 2014 Celebrate Fund
The celebrate fund is being designed to be as accessible as possible. The lottery distributors that are developing the fund are working to ensure that the criteria reach and capture a diverse and inclusive range of local groups. It is expected that the fund will be launched in April 2013. In developing it, the lottery distributors have considered equality issues and the needs, expertise and experience of people from different backgrounds, in line with their normal approach. The celebrate fund will build on the experiences that the lottery distributors have gained in delivering similar programmes, such as awards for all, which has a good track record of reaching a wide range of diverse groups throughout Scotland.
A number of my constituents have approached me to ask how they can get involved in holding cultural events leading up to and during the 2014 games. I have first-hand experience of explaining how and helping community groups to apply for funding. However, I am concerned that many small groups in Glasgow do not have the capacity and capability to apply for such grants, so doing so would place an additional burden on them. Some of them may be left out—in particular, genuine community groups that wish to participate. What assurances can the minister give me on how such groups can tap into support if they need it? Where will that support come from?
I thank Mr Malik for raising that issue. I know that, since he has been in Parliament, he has rightly raised equality issues on a number of occasions.
Infrastructure, Investment and Cities
Welfare Reform (Bedroom Tax)
We estimate that 105,000 Scottish households are set to lose an average of £600 per year. More than three quarters of those households include someone who is disabled, and 15,000 families with children are affected. We have been consistent and clear in our opposition to this United Kingdom Government measure.
I thank the minister for her answer. She will be interested to know that the local authority in my area—Renfrewshire—expects almost 2,000 tenants to be affected by the changes, and there are only 114 vacant one-bedroom homes. Does the minister agree that the changes have not been thought out properly and are targeting those who are least able to defend themselves?
Yes—I agree with George Adam. We have made it clear to the UK Government that only 26 per cent of occupied social rented properties in Scotland have one bedroom, and we know that 60 per cent of tenants need one-bedroom properties in order to meet the Department for Work and Pensions underoccupancy rules.
The minister is quite right to highlight the concerns over the impact of the bedroom tax, but would the situation not at least be alleviated if housing associations were able to build more one-bedroom properties, which many cannot do because of the Scottish Government’s decision to cut the housing association grant?
This Government has its affordable housing supply and we have said that we would build 30,000 houses by the end of this session of Parliament. Richard Baker is trying to suggest that we are responsible in some way for the bedroom tax and its impacts. We are not, and that has to be made clear. The suggestion is that the answer to the UK Government’s bedroom tax is for us all of a sudden, out of the blue, to build enough one-bedroom houses by 1 April. As has been said, we cannot do that. The answer is to have no bedroom tax and to have the Scottish Parliament in control of the welfare system in Scotland.
Does the minister agree that the use of the phrase “bedroom tax” is an inaccurate and misleading description of the underoccupancy charge, and that—given the outburst by her colleagues in Westminster over the so-called pejorative use of language for the simple use of the word “separation”—there appears to be one rule for this Government and another rule for the rest of us?
Alex Johnstone is trying to trivialise a serious matter. Whether it is called “bedroom tax” or “underoccupancy rules”, the effects will be the same, and our vulnerable citizens will suffer from those effects.
I share the minister’s anger about the unfair and unjustified proposal.
I am talking to housing associations and local authorities throughout Scotland. All of them are taking the matter seriously and are seeking ways to mitigate its impacts and to protect their tenants, as well as their rental income.
Does the Scottish Government, in discussions with local authorities and housing associations, take seriously the possibility that there is a loophole in terms of the definition of “bedroom”? Will the minister raise that issue with local authorities and housing associations as a possible way round the problem? Also, when the minister is talking to them, will she urge them not to evict any tenants solely because they have not paid that portion of their rent that has been withdrawn through the bedroom tax?
The Scottish Government will take seriously any proposals—as mentioned by Malcolm Chisholm—that we can legitimately use to mitigate the effects of the bedroom tax and protect our tenants. The issue is actively being looked at.
Capital Projects
The Government is determined to invest in Scotland’s infrastructure to stimulate growth in the short term and to lay the foundations for long-term economic success. Our recently updated infrastructure investment plan demonstrates exactly how we will do that, despite the substantial cuts to our capital budget by Westminster.
The Deputy First Minister mentioned the NPD pipeline, through which only £20 million has been allocated out of a possible £353 million in the past year. It would seem that this shovel-ready Scottish Government is only shovelling fresh air.
Do you have a question, Mr Kelly?
Leaving all the spin and bluster aside, can the minister say what specific steps she is taking to bring forward NPD capital projects as opposed to simple press stunts?
That was a demonstration of the better together campaign in action. The member is reduced to parroting Tory lines. It is a bit rich for a member of the party that planned every penny and more of the capital cuts that are currently being imposed by the Tory Government at Westminster to come to Parliament and talk about capital investment. It is rich indeed.
Mr Baker, please.
The member and other members might want to listen to what I have to say. As of now, £1.6 billion of projects have entered procurement or development through the hub. In 2011-12, three projects went into procurement, and they will start construction this year. In 2012-13 so far, 16 projects have entered procurement. Progress is being made.
Welfare Reform (Bedroom Tax)
We have written to the United Kingdom Government on a number of occasions about the budgetary impact of the bedroom tax. The bedroom tax does not make economic sense. In the short term, it reduces UK Government expenditure by taking money away from vulnerable people and families. In the long term, it is likely to result in a net economic loss of more than £100 million from the application of the measure in Scotland alone.
Does the minister share my concern that the bedroom tax will impact substantially on the funding for refuge services in Scotland that are partly funded by housing benefit, and that, together with the higher cost of providing safe accommodation and the introduction of universal credit, it spells misery for many vulnerable and desperate women and children?
I share the member’s concerns about the impact on refuges. A significant number of refuges are categorised as support-exempt accommodation, and, as such, the bedroom tax will not apply to them. However, we are concerned that some women’s refuges might not be so categorised. We are seeking clarification from the Department for Work and Pensions and, as with all the changes, we will seek to have Scottish interests taken into account. I will certainly update the member with any response.
Kessock Bridge (Resurfacing)
The first phase of the essential resurfacing works covering the northbound carriageway and footway started on 11 February and is programmed to take 17 weeks. The second phase of the works will start on 10 February 2014 and is programmed to take 20 weeks. Regular updates on progress will be publicised.
I acknowledge the mitigation measures that the minister has developed, especially the reopening of the Conon Bridge railway station, but the gaping hole in the strategy is the lack of a park and ride at Tore. Such a facility could take hundreds of cars from the Black Isle and beyond off the bridge at peak times. Even at this the 11th hour, will the minister look again at that proposal to prevent traffic mayhem on the Kessock bridge and win the gratitude of legions of frustrated north drivers?
We are well past the 11th hour. As I described, the work has been on-going for a week, and the traffic chaos to which David Stewart referred has not transpired. The projections that were made and the plans that have been put in place have coped with the additional traffic. There have been delays, but we always said that that would be the case.
Scottish Water (Procurement)
The Scottish Government is fully advised of Scottish Water’s procurement approach. Scottish Water is currently setting out a new long-term procurement model for the 2015 to 2021 regulatory period that is fully consistent with the statutory obligations that apply to it. The new model is intended to reflect Scottish Government procurement policy, including the suitable inclusion of regional-based contractors.
As the cabinet secretary may be aware, smaller companies are sometimes at a disadvantage in engaging with the procurement process, which often favours larger companies due to economies of scale. First, can she clarify whether the public utilities will be included within the public procurement reform bill? Secondly, what advice can the Scottish Government offer to those small companies that do not make it on to Scottish Water’s various frameworks on how they can continue to develop their businesses?
On the first point, Willie Coffey will be aware that the Government has committed to introducing a procurement reform bill before the summer recess. The analysis of the consultation, along with other views such as those that have been raised today, will help to inform the development of the bill as it makes its way through the legislative process. We expect the application of the bill to be subject to further detailed discussion as the proposed legislation develops, and I am happy to keep Willie Coffey and other members fully advised of progress.
Regeneration (Glasgow Kelvin)
The Scottish Government is committed to the regeneration of all of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas and to the strengthening of local communities. “Achieving a Sustainable Future: Regeneration Strategy” outlines our vision for a Scotland where such communities are supported and where all places are sustainable and promote wellbeing.
I thank the minister for that detailed reply. In fact, I attended a meeting on that issue on Monday with the Local Government and Regeneration Committee.
The Scottish Government is engaging with Glasgow City Council on the Buchanan quarter tax increment financing scheme, which includes improvements to George Square. We expect that a package of improvements to the square will be delivered in time for the Commonwealth games in 2014. Overall, we hope that the TIF investment, which is worth £80 million, will regenerate Glasgow city centre by levering in private sector investment of £310 million and generating about 1,500 jobs.
Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme
I have regular discussions with the finance secretary about a wide range of policies that are intended to grow Scotland’s economy and support our cities, including discussions about the business rates incentivisation scheme. The city councils have been informed of the scheme as part of the local government finance settlement communications and they are clearly well placed to benefit from the scheme.
Can the cabinet secretary confirm that, when she met the chief executive and the leader of Aberdeen City Council late last year, she discussed the scheme with them? At that time, it was estimated that the scheme was potentially worth more than £7 million to Aberdeen City Council in the current financial year. If that is the case, and if the £7 million is no longer available to the council, will she explain to the citizens of Aberdeen why that is and what has changed since November?
On the first part of Lewis Macdonald’s question, we discussed the scheme when I met the chief executive and leader of Aberdeen City Council at the end of last year. From memory, one issue on which they sought clarification was about whether councils are able to keep 50 per cent of any extra business rates income over the jointly agreed targets, which is the case.
Demographic Change (Impact on Housing)
I would appreciate a brief response, minister.
Okay. We published “Age, Home and Community: A Strategy for Housing for Scotland’s Older People: 2012-2021”, our 10-year strategy for housing for Scotland’s older people, jointly with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities in December 2011. We are working to deliver the strategy with our partners across the housing sector and beyond.
We can have a brief supplementary from Siobhan McMahon.
The minister will be aware that the number of pensioner households requiring adaptation is projected to increase from 66,300 in 2008 to 106,000 in 2033. Concerns have been raised about the current funding system for adaptations.
I am sorry, but we need a question. We are tight for time in the following debate.
The adaptations working group has stated that increased funds are likely to be necessary and has recommended the creation of
We are grateful for the recommendations of the adaptations working group and we will shortly respond formally to its report. We will work to take forward the group’s recommendations on the future organisation and funding of adaptations.
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Capital Projects